Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

Hope!

Considering the weather we have endured the past two weeks, I would say my previous post was overconfident. Spring was not here yet. I was feeling hopeful and buoyed by the sunshine. It was naive … Read more.

Teasing of Spring

Snow. Again. Though I was born and raised in Rhode Island, I still find March to be a total heart breaker. February teased with beautiful sunny days. Every where I looked I could see the … Read more.

For the love of trees

Life as a horticulturist has changed my perspective on winter.  There was a time when I felt that winter was terrible and interminable.  Not anymore.  Winter is an important time for those who tend gardens.  … Read more.

Field Trip – Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Greetings from Brooklyn!  It is important to get out and see the world outside our own greenhouses from time to time.  With the goal of gaining fresh inspiration and information, Gail, Joe, and I recently … Read more.

Seeds!

Winter is time for seeds (yes, it’s still winter, although recent temperatures seem to tell a different story).  We look over catalogs, order, and eventually sow these beautiful tiny cases full of life.  Watching the … Read more.

Some flowers for you

In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are some flowers blooming in the Blithewold greenhouses.  No long-stem red roses for us.  We take great joy in our unusual winter-blooming plants.  I hope they bring a smile … Read more.

A Year in Review: Faves of 2016

February is a wonderful month for planning.  It’s chilly outside, but warm in the Potting Shed and greenhouse where we hunker down for the winter.  The greenhouses are stuffed full with plants and our brains are … Read more.

Wreath Season

I love the festive decorations that appear in December.  A pretty evergreen wreath on the front door is a classic welcome during the holiday season.  In preparation for our wreath classes last week, Gail and … Read more.

The Charmingly Resilient Daffodil

  Snow.  Freezing temperatures.  Rain.  Wind.  I think it’s safe to say that the weather this week has dampened the spirit of gardeners and flower enthusiasts, but hopefully not for long.  Six inches of snow … Read more.

Reflections

Last week, when February felt like May, it was difficult to keep a lid on all the spring ideas that were spinning around my head. Thankfully, the warmth last week was only a brief respite and … Read more.